More changes to Sweden’s leadership.
Former NHL defenseman Josef Boumedienne is leaving the Swedish national team. ZumaWire / MVPHOTOS
The management of the Swedish national ice hockey team, or Tre Kronor, will be reshuffled after this spring’s World Cup. Served as head coach of the national team Sam Hallam leaves his position and the new master coach of Tappara, Rikard Grönborg, arrives in his place as the new pilot.
Sweden’s GM, i.e. the coordinator of the national team, also changes.
– Yes, just like Sam, my contract ends after this World Cup, the current GM of the national team, Josef Boumedienne, confirmed to Expressen.
Boumedienne first worked as a manager of the Swedish national team in the spring of 2023, when he held the position of assistant GM. Boumedienne was in between for a while the assistant coach of the national team, until he jumped into the role of GM.
Boumedienne has a Swedish-Finnish background. During his playing career, he represented Tappara, Kärppi and Jokeri in the SM league.
In addition to this, Boumedienne played, among other things, in the NHL.
– I am proud that I have been able to represent Tre Kronor. There have been a lot of great moments along the way, but also frustration caused by the results. However, that’s what you want to win every tournament, Boumedienne thought.
Sweden has reached the bronze medal twice in the Boumedienne era.
Boumedienne doesn’t leave empty-handed.
– I’m going to work in the NHL, he says.
Boumedienne’s revelation remained mysterious, because according to his own words, he is unable to tell which club or which role he is going to.
Boumedienne briefly worked as an assistant coach for the NHL club Columbus Blue Jackets in 2024. He has also done various scouting jobs for the Blue Jackets.
The Swedish team assembled by Boumedienne will face Switzerland in tonight’s World Cup quarter-final match. The match starts at 21:20 Finnish time.
